Braves' Jonny Venters has another torn UCL in pitching elbow

Atlanta Braves pitcher Jonny Venters is facing a third possible Tommy John surgery after again tearing the ulnar collateral ligament in his left throwing elbow, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said Thursday.

The 29-year-old reliever has not pitched in the major leagues since 2012. He had Tommy John surgery last year after tearing the elbow ligament. The renowned Dr. James Andrews found the latest tear.

"I feel for the young man," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez told reporters Thursday before the team's game against the New York Mets. "He's a young guy. He's not even 30 years old yet."

Venters had been one of the premier set-up men in baseball prior to his string of injuries, making the National League All-Star team in 2012. In three major league seasons with the Braves, he is 15-10 with a 2.23 ERA and 258 strikeouts in 229 2/3 innings. He led the major leagues with 85 appearances in 2011.